Jakarta – In commemoration of World Reef Awareness Day, observed annually on June 1st,2026, PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) continues to strengthen its efforts to preserve coastal and marine ecosystems through various conservation and community empowerment programs in East Kalimantan's coastal areas. Together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, PHI promotes environmental sustainability while encouraging greater community participation in protecting marine ecosystems. This year’s commemoration reflects PHI’s commitment to creating tangible impacts through collaboration with local communities, which play an important role in ensuring program sustainability and fostering innovative and adaptive solutions to address coastal environmental conservation challenges.

Among PHI’s environmentally based CSR programs related to coral reef conservation are Jaga Pesisir Kita, which focuses on protecting marine ecosystems in the Pangempang Beach area of East Kalimantan, and the Rig to Reef program implemented in collaboration with KHAN of South Korea in August 2022, which supports the utilization of end-of-life upstream oil and gas facilities for marine ecosystem conservation.

The Jaga Pesisir Kita program, implemented by PHI subsidiary PT Pertamina Hulu Sanga Sanga (PHSS), is a community empowerment and coastal conservation initiative in Tanjung Limau Village, Muara Badak, Kutai Kartanegara. Since 2019, the program has focused on coral reef rehabilitation, protection of coastal and mangrove ecosystems, strengthening community-based monitoring groups, and developing sustainable coastal tourism. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, the program not only supports the recovery of marine ecosystems affected by destructive fishing practices but also creates new economic opportunities for local communities through tourism development and sustainable coastal resource-based businesses.

Muhammad Mansur, a community member and Local Hero of Jaga Pesisir Kita, explained that the program has enabled local communities to become more independent while providing greater opportunities for innovation and adaptive action. “Through our journey toward independence, we have gained greater opportunities to innovate and adapt. On this World Reef Awareness Day, independence reminds us that environmental sustainability in coastal areas requires strong local leadership, inclusive collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the future of our oceans,” he said.

The community continues to adapt through digital approaches and nature-based education to raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of marine ecosystem conservation, allowing conservation programs to continue growing and providing sustainable benefits for both the environment and coastal communities. “The fundamental values we learned from Pertamina, including structured program management systems, high safety standards, and commitment to ESG implementation, remain the foundation of our work. We continue to uphold this legacy of discipline and professionalism to ensure that every coastal restoration effort delivers measurable, meaningful, and sustainable impacts for future generations,” he added.

Meanwhile, another PHI subsidiary, PT Pertamina Hulu Kalimantan Timur (PHKT), particularly its North Operation Area (DOBU), has implemented a pilot project using the Rig-to-Reef method for biodiversity conservation around Karang Segajah in Bontang. The project began with a pilot initiative in July 2019, followed by the signing of a Project Agreement with KHAN of South Korea in August 2022.

PHI Environment Manager and Rig to Reef Program Facilitator, Kemas Adrian, expressed full support for the implementation of the Rig to Reef program, highlighting the Company’s commitment to preserving marine ecosystems while optimizing the responsible use of post-operation oil and gas assets. “This program demonstrates that industrial activities can go hand in hand with environmental conservation through innovation and sustainable collaboration. We hope this initiative will provide long-term benefits for marine biodiversity, coastal communities, and the achievement of sustainable development goals,” he said.

The Rig to Reef method involves repurposing offshore structures and facilities that have reached the end of their service life in the oil and gas industry. The decommissioning process using the Rig-to-Reef method offers various benefits from environmental, industry, and government perspectives.

From an environmental perspective, Rig to Reef can contribute positively to marine biodiversity by enhancing coral reef ecosystems and fish populations. Decommissioned offshore platforms can serve as new habitats for marine life, thereby supporting ecosystem conservation. From the perspective of the oil and gas industry, the method can reduce decommissioning, transportation, and management costs associated with unused offshore facilities.

PHI Manager Communication Relations & CID, Dony Indrawan, added that the Company continues to prioritize social and environmental innovation in implementing its CSR programs to create significant and sustainable benefits for communities and the environment. “Through initiatives such as Jaga Pesisir Kita and Rig to Reef, we are not only focused on ecosystem protection but also on strengthening community capacity so that local people can become key actors in safeguarding the sustainability of coastal and marine resources. We believe that collaboration, innovation, and community involvement are essential to creating long-term benefits for future generations,” Dony concluded.

PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia (PHI) is part of Pertamina’s Upstream Subholding, managing upstream oil and gas operations and businesses in Regional 3 Kalimantan, which covers Zona 8, Zona 9, and Zona 10, in accordance with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as it pursues its vision of becoming a world-class oil and gas company. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, in collaboration with SKK Migas, PHI implements innovative Social and Environmental Responsibility programs in the areas of Economy, Education, Health, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Response to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realize #EnergiKalimantanUntukIndonesia. PHI is headquartered in Jakarta. For more information about PHI, please visit https://phi.pertamina.com.